Saturday, December 13, 2008

The SPCA's inspectors were first directed to the property a year ago, where they found the dog with severe burn wounds, whimpering in her charred kennel.The dog had burns on her face, legs and belly and her eyes were also badly injured. The skin around her eyes was raw.The SPCA inspectors rescued her and took her to the animal hospital, but her body was raw with burn wounds and she had to be put down.

Whether you're outraged about animal abuse and animal research, looking to promote more humane treatment of farm animals or simply want the best for your pet, The Petition Site's Animal Welfare section is the place where you can take action on behalf of animals.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Galapagos Conservation TrustWelcome to the website of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), a UK charity that raises funds for, and awareness of, the conservation needs of the Galapagos Islands. Charles Darwin was intrigued with the unique wildlife he saw when visiting the islands in 1835, and to this day they continue to inspire and excite scientists and visitors alike. We work with the key institutions in Galapagos to ensure a sustainable future for this natural treasure, and are part of the international Friends of Galapagos network.

Lonesome George

Every now and then George closes his eyes for a few centuries the stars stop for the occasion and the sun goes out, his night lit only by dream...

"Hello, big boy," she says, shell new and lustrous, green as the deep sea; and her eyes deep as the dark gems that glow deep where it roots...

George, lifting his nose skyward still seeing her behind his closed eyes moves forwardslow as lava oozing from the bottom of the sea

His scaled feet arch like trees first planted then pulled up from their roots...

"I'm coming," he says.

Written by, Steve Campbell

"Lonesome George" is the name given by biologists to the last surviving male Giant Galapagos Tortoise. There are no surviving females.

The entire Giant Galapagos Tortoise species was destroyed directly by humans. The tortoise's shells were used to make tourist trinkets. The shell is part of the tortoise's body (like turtles). Without their shell, they die much like a human having their skin removed (I imagine, equally as painful).

The animal was usually still alive when it's 'soft' body was cruelly cut out from it's shell. In countries like China, and the Island of Bali, this brutal and unethical practice of live tortoise/turtle slaughter continues.

George is approximately 90 years old. In 2008, great efforts were made to help George produce offspring by fertilizing eggs of a 'close' relative species. Sadly, the experiment failed.

George is the rarest known creature in the world and... the loneliest.